Should I be concerned yet?

[MrPhysio+]

Hello HollyJ,
Sorry to hear of your shoulder fracture. It is early days and you are correct to state that immobilisation will increase symptoms when you try to move. The forces required to cause the type of fracture you have are significant with a high liklihood that soft tissue damage will have occurred as well as bone damage. X-Rays are insufficient to diagnose the soft tissue damage - ultrasound and MRI are better. It is understood that your budget may preclude such scans. The Orthopaedic Specialist is probably waiting until bony repair is more complete, swelling has subsided and then assess the next step dependent upon your symptoms at the 6 to 8 week point. Exercises at the 3 to 4 week point could have begun eg letting the arm hang down and making very small swing and rotational movements (pendular exercise). Dependent upon pain and medication cover, such exercise may even be started a little sooner - depends upon how stable the fractured piece of bone is - with weaning off the sling as tolerated.
Often, night pain is eased significantly by specific taping of the joint (slings do not work at night).

The way your arm was originally injured can provide clues to the type of damage sustained. Can you describe the injury?

Your long head of bicep tendon may be damaged, although bruising into the bicep is common post fracture of the humeral head. Severe bruising around the shoulder then immobilisation increases the chance of a frozen shoulder, where the fibrous bag around the joint sticks to itself restricting movement and causing pain. It is also possible that the cartilage joint labrum (extension of the socket that makes it deeper for stability) can be torn or split. Small pieces of bone can be in the joint from the fracture, irritating the soft tissue causing pain and restriction.
All the above is speculation.

Shoulders are always very painful following injury. It is important to begin movement as early as medically permitted and to use as much pain medication as needed to allow the movement. Anti inflammatory medication, if you are able to take such medication, can also be helpful.

Your good fitness, general health and non smoking status give you an advantage in the healing stakes. I suggest that you see a physical therapist for assessment.
Let me know how you get on or if you have further questions.
Cheers,
MrPhysio+

[theshoulderguy]

Hi there, I would be interested in seeing the X-rays HollyJ.

See if you can attach them.

Will comment after viewing them if you like?

Cheers